Sculpture by Yue Minjun (China)

First installed in 2009 as part of the Vancouver Biennale, A-maze-ing Laughter has quickly become the city’s most recognizable piece of outdoor art.

Until 2011, most people thought the laughing men sculptures, which were part of the Vancouver Biennale celebration, were permanent fixtures at the corner of Denman and Davie streets. Everyone was dismayed to learn that, in essence, they were just on loan to the city as part of Biennale, just like many of the other sculptures that are with us no more.

Then came Lululemon founder Chip Wilson and his wife Shannon to the rescue. The Kitsilano couple has donated $1.5 million to buy the sculptures as a gift to the city they love.